A Franklin Digital Planner Alternative for 2025

The FranklinCovey method is renowned for its time-tested approach to productivity and time management. It blends personal values with goal-setting and prioritization techniques, empowering individuals to be more intentional with their time. Here are the top features of the FranklinCovey method:

1. Time Management Matrix (Eisenhower Matrix)

One of the key tools in the FranklinCovey system is the Time Management Matrix, also known as the Eisenhower Matrix. This matrix helps users prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance, ensuring that they focus on high-value activities that contribute to long-term goals instead of just reactive, urgent tasks.

• Quadrant 1: Urgent and Important (Crises)
• Quadrant 2: Not Urgent but Important (Planning, Goal-setting)
• Quadrant 3: Urgent but Not Important (Interruptions, Distractions)
• Quadrant 4: Not Urgent and Not Important (Time-wasters)

The focus on Quadrant 2 activities is central to the method, encouraging users to prioritize personal growth, relationship-building, and proactive planning.

2. Weekly and Daily Planning

FranklinCovey promotes a weekly planning session where users review their key roles and set goals for each area of life (personal, professional, family, etc.). This is followed by daily planning, where tasks and appointments are aligned with weekly priorities, helping to stay on track and ensuring balance across life’s responsibilities.

3. Values-Based Planning

At the heart of the FranklinCovey system is the focus on personal values and principles. Users are encouraged to define their core values, which guide their goal-setting and daily actions. This ensures that activities align with what matters most, helping individuals live more intentionally.

4. Goal Setting and Tracking

FranklinCovey encourages setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) that tie into the user’s long-term vision and values. The system provides structure for setting, prioritizing, and tracking these goals over time.

5. Roles and Balance

The FranklinCovey method emphasizes the importance of balancing roles in life—such as professional, family, personal development, and community roles. By identifying and planning for each role, users can ensure they’re giving appropriate attention to all areas, fostering better life balance.

6. Master Task List

The Master Task List is a tool that allows users to capture all tasks and to-dos in one place. This helps in clearing the mind and ensuring that nothing important is forgotten. Tasks are later prioritized and scheduled during the weekly and daily planning process.

7. Big Rocks Concept

This concept encourages users to focus on their most important goals (the “Big Rocks”) before anything else. These Big Rocks are critical tasks or objectives that, if completed, will have a significant impact. The metaphor comes from the idea of fitting big rocks into a jar first, followed by smaller pebbles and sand (less important tasks), to ensure you’re managing your most critical responsibilities.

8. Mission Statement Creation

A unique feature of FranklinCovey is its emphasis on creating a personal mission statement. This statement reflects one’s core values, vision, and purpose in life. The mission statement acts as a guide for decision-making and helps keep long-term goals in focus.

9. Prioritized Daily Task Lists

FranklinCovey planners include prioritized daily task lists, where users assign importance levels (A, B, C) to each task. “A” tasks are critical, “B” tasks are important but not urgent, and “C” tasks are optional. This system helps users manage their time more effectively and ensures that the most important tasks are always at the forefront.

10. Focus on Habits and Personal Development

Drawing from Stephen Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”, the FranklinCovey method emphasizes the development of key habits such as being proactive, setting goals, prioritizing important activities, and seeking continuous personal improvement.

11. Visual Tools and Paper-Based Planners

Traditionally, FranklinCovey has been known for its physical planners that offer structured daily and weekly layouts. These layouts visually reinforce time management principles like the prioritized task lists, time-blocking for Big Rocks, and the Time Management Matrix. Although digital tools are available, many users still appreciate the tactile experience of the paper-based system.

12. Sharpen the Saw (Self-Care)

One of the core principles of the FranklinCovey system is the concept of “Sharpen the Saw”, which emphasizes the importance of self-care, continuous learning, and renewal. This helps users stay energized and motivated, ensuring long-term sustainability in their productivity efforts.

13. Accountability and Reflection

Regular review and reflection are built into the FranklinCovey method. Users are encouraged to reflect on their progress, review their goals, and adjust plans as needed. This accountability helps individuals stay on course with their long-term objectives.

14. Leadership and Team Planning Tools

For professionals in leadership roles, FranklinCovey offers resources to improve not only personal productivity but also organizational effectiveness. It integrates leadership and team management tools that help with delegation, communication, and aligning team goals with organizational objectives.

15. Time Blocking

FranklinCovey emphasizes time blocking—allocating specific chunks of time to work on important tasks or projects without interruption. This helps users focus better and reduces procrastination by providing structure to their day.